[ As soon as Rhys returns the gesture by setting his hands on Jack's shoulders, Jack realizes belatedly that, right, that was probably too far. He's just a physical guy, so when he's trying to be confident and encouraging... Fuck, he doesn't know. That made sense? For some reason? Goddammit, he's an idiot. He's quickly trying to think of the least awkward way to escape this when the compliments start pouring in. Just from a few days ago, Rhys would have realized that something that Jack is incredibly weak to is compliments and praise. So even though he'd been considering it, he doesn't pull away, even if it's mostly because he figures if he does, Rhys would stop talking.
Both parts appeal to his ego, even if it's in different ways. For the first part, it's everything that Jack genuinely thinks is great about himself, even if Rhys puts it in a bit more poetic and delicate terms that Jack might. His drive and ambition were what made him awesome, so, yeah, maybe it was optimism. But people didn't buy optimism. It was the first two, since you had to have a way to show that your optimism actually meant a damn, which was his point. But, regardless, he'll absolutely take this.
For the second, well. That's just Jack's narcissim and vanity being played, and that means he doesn't lean away when Rhys edges in closer. There's a pleased smile on Jack's face that grows as Rhys speaks, eventually reaching right to the corners of his eyes in how genuine it is. Mostly, he's just happy to be praised, but a part of him does take this as a sign that maybe Rhys is trusting him to handle things. The rage of a moment ago has turned to this, so... That had to be a good sign, right? Things were under control, and Jack actually feels confident that tomorrow won't be easy, but it can be manageable. Sometimes, delusions were nice that way. ]
You're damn right I am, sweetheart.
[ He remembers the conversation about nicknames, so he lets that one slip without hesitation. He doesn't exactly mean it as anything more than casual, but that's not exactly clear. After all, though Rhys had drawn back out of hesitation for pushing Jack too far, the easiest way to get Jack to be more comfortable is apparently compliments every time. Rhys had pulled back, but Jack closes the distance again without hesitation as he tugs Rhys's hips forward just to make sure of that. He presses his lips to Rhys's, and though it's brief, at least it's undoubtedly his own decision there. ]
Heh- I mean, I can't fault you for having good taste.
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Both parts appeal to his ego, even if it's in different ways. For the first part, it's everything that Jack genuinely thinks is great about himself, even if Rhys puts it in a bit more poetic and delicate terms that Jack might. His drive and ambition were what made him awesome, so, yeah, maybe it was optimism. But people didn't buy optimism. It was the first two, since you had to have a way to show that your optimism actually meant a damn, which was his point. But, regardless, he'll absolutely take this.
For the second, well. That's just Jack's narcissim and vanity being played, and that means he doesn't lean away when Rhys edges in closer. There's a pleased smile on Jack's face that grows as Rhys speaks, eventually reaching right to the corners of his eyes in how genuine it is. Mostly, he's just happy to be praised, but a part of him does take this as a sign that maybe Rhys is trusting him to handle things. The rage of a moment ago has turned to this, so... That had to be a good sign, right? Things were under control, and Jack actually feels confident that tomorrow won't be easy, but it can be manageable. Sometimes, delusions were nice that way. ]
You're damn right I am, sweetheart.
[ He remembers the conversation about nicknames, so he lets that one slip without hesitation. He doesn't exactly mean it as anything more than casual, but that's not exactly clear. After all, though Rhys had drawn back out of hesitation for pushing Jack too far, the easiest way to get Jack to be more comfortable is apparently compliments every time. Rhys had pulled back, but Jack closes the distance again without hesitation as he tugs Rhys's hips forward just to make sure of that. He presses his lips to Rhys's, and though it's brief, at least it's undoubtedly his own decision there. ]
Heh- I mean, I can't fault you for having good taste.